Accident Overview
On June 12, 2025, about 1750 central daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, registration N312DA, was substantially damaged during an accident near Hartsville, Tennessee. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Preflight and Departure
Before departure, the pilot reported topping off the airplane's fuel and adding one quart of oil to the engine. An engine runup was performed, which the pilot described as normal with no anomalies detected. The flight originated from Lebanon Municipal Airport (M54) in Lebanon, Tennessee, with a destination of Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, Kentucky.
Inflight Events
After departing from LEX, the pilot climbed to an altitude of 7,000 feet mean sea level (msl). Shortly after reaching that altitude, the oil pressure annunciator illuminated. The pilot diverted toward the nearest airport, approximately 8 miles away. Before reaching the airport, the engine lost all power. The pilot made multiple unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine. When the airplane descended to 2,300 feet msl, the pilot deployed the whole airframe parachute system. The system operated normally, but during the descent, the airplane struck trees, causing substantial damage to the airframe.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found a large hole in the engine's left crankcase half. The No. 2 connecting rod had separated from the crankshaft, and the crankshaft journal exhibited signs of lubrication distress. The wreckage was retained for further examination.